Opposition Gears Up for Strategy Meeting Amidst Parliamentary Tumult

Ahead of a crucial parliamentary session, opposition parties are scheduled to convene on Thursday morning to devise a strategy in response to ongoing disruptions in the House, according to informed sources. The meeting is set to take place at 10 AM in the chamber of Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, within the Parliament premises.

On Wednesday, Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of dodging parliamentary accountability, suggesting Modi is avoiding national security discussions. This follows uproar over Gandhi's mention of former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished remarks on the 2020 Sino-Indian border crisis. Although Modi was anticipated to address the motion of thanks to the President's address that afternoon, the session was adjourned due to persistent opposition disruptions.

Posting on social media platform X, Gandhi alleged, "PM Modi won't come to Parliament because he is scared and doesn't want to face the truth." He further emphasized his readiness to confront Modi with General Naravane's book, asserting it unveils leadership inadequacies during the 2020 border standoff. Gandhi highlighted the book's legitimacy, stressing it was penned by India's former Army Chief, not an external critic or opposition figure.

Gandhi's contention that the book, contested by Cabinet Ministers who claim it doesn't exist, reveals that during China's border incursion, the Prime Minister distanced himself from decision-making responsibilities, leaving it to the military's discretion. The claim has instigated ongoing debates about government transparency, with Gandhi expressing his hindered ability to speak on the subject in Parliament.

The incident has fueled significant parliament disruptions, with the Lok Sabha experiencing multiple adjournments. During one session, Speaker Om Birla barred Gandhi from referencing the unpublished material. In related developments, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accused Gandhi of undermining military morale, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh petitioned to prevent such references.

Amid these tensions, the House was also adjourned amid protests over the recent suspension of eight MPs during the ongoing Budget Session, indicating a turbulent political climate. (ANI)